Archives

Manchester United 2-2 Benfica: Highlights

Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by Benfica at Old Trafford leaving last season’s runners-up battling with FC Basel in a Matchday 6 qualification decider.

A Phil Jones own goal within the opening 2 minutes got the hosts off to the worst possible start, but they were soon level when Dimitar Berbatov struck on the half hour.

Darren Fletcher then put United ahead in the 59th minute before fuzzy-haired Benfica favourite Pablo Aimar slammed home the equalizer following De Gea’s poor clearance.

The draw sees the Portuguese giants progress into the last 16 whilst Sir Alex Ferguson’s men head to Switzerland to face FC Basel in a loser-goes-home match on Matchday 6.

United currently sit top of Group C on 9 points with Benfica and FC Basel second and third respectively on eight points each.

Because United and Basel will play each other on Matchday 6, one of the two will drop points, meaning that Benfica’s qualification into the last 16 is secure. Manchester United will need a point against Basel in their final Champions League Group C game to ensure qualification to the knockout stages.